How to Plan Your Jackson Hole Elopement
Are you dreaming of an unforgettable adventure elopement beneath the craggy peaks of Grand Teton National Park, but feeling daunted by the planning process? Look no further – you've landed on the ultimate resource for your Jackson Hole wedding journey!
Embarking on the initial stages of planning a Jackson Hole adventure elopement can be overwhelming, and you're likely bursting with questions. That's precisely why I've created this comprehensive guide to eloping in Grand Teton National Park. As a seasoned elopement photographer and Grand Teton resident, I'm well-equipped to provide you with the best insights and steps to plan your perfect Jackson Hole wedding.
Whether you've already set your heart on the Tetons or are teetering on the edge of this magnificent decision, continue reading to uncover everything you need to know about planning a Grand Teton adventure elopement or wedding.
Common Elopement FAQs
Where can I elope in Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole has just about anything you want, from lakesides to sagebrush meadows to craggy viewpoints, and you're spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing your elopement location. The best spots are on public land, including Grand Teton National Park and National Forest Service land. For those with larger guest lists, considering a private property ceremony can also be a fantastic option. Below, I've written out specific guides to the locations in the Grand Teton National Park area:
As a general rule of thumb, anywhere with the word “turnout” or “overlook” is going to be a busy stop for all visitors, not just wedding guests. These spots tend to be near the road and while beautiful, they are usually a little less coveted than spots like Schwabacher Landing and the Mormon Row barns. Which makes them a great option for last minute elopements!
How much does it cost to elope in Jackson Hole?
The cost of your Grand Teton wedding can range anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000, depending on what your dream day looks like. The factors that contribute to your elopement costs include hiring a photographer (that's me!), videographer, florist, baker, travel accommodations, wedding attire, lodging, and, of course, food to keep you fueled up for your adventure. Don't worry; I'll break down the costs for you in more detail below!
That said: I think the images of your day (and maybe professional hair) are the most valuable expenses for your wedding, and if you’re trying to keep the rest of your expenses low, I have the scoop. You can cut some costs by gathering your own bouquet, getting a small cake at Whole Foods, camping on NFS land or staying in the Anvil hostel, flying into Idaho Falls or Salt Lake City, and more.
Do I need a permit to have a ceremony?
Yep! If you’re trying to avoid the ritzier ranch venues, the approved ceremony locations in Grand Teton National Park require permits and specific locations in Bridger Teton National Forest require them too (see: The Wedding Tree). The specific regulations depend on your group size and the location you choose. So, do your homework or better yet, let someone like me help you navigate the permit process. I've got your back!
When is the best time of year to plan a wedding or elopement in Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole is pretty spectacular year-round, but if sub-zero temps aren’t your style, I recommend planning your elopement between mid-June and mid-September. These seasons offer fantastic weather, ensuring that your wedding experience is as comfortable as it is stunning.
Where can I have a wedding in Jackson Hole?
Jackson Hole has a ton of private venues, like Diamond Cross Ranch, The Wedding Tree, Jackson Lake Lodge, and Antelope Trails Ranch, as well as public lands spots, like Schwabacher’s Landing and the Mormon Row Bands.
How do I get a marriage license in Wyoming?
My planning guide for clients gives you all the details you need to get a Teton County marriage license!
Where am I not allowed to elope in Grand Teton National Park?
Reserved Site-Specific Ceremony locations (aka the six locations listed above)
The paved trails within and surrounding the Jenny Lake visitor plaza at South Jenny Lake
Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
String Lake and Jenny Lake overlook on the one-way road from May 15 to October 15
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve (LSR)
Concessioner land assignments (exception for weddings sold/catered by Concessioners in assigned facilities in accordance with their contract)
Park partner facilities (e.g., Murie Ranch, Teton Science School)
Within proximity of places where weddings are being managed by a chapel or concessioner (e.g., the Chapel of the Transfiguration)
Park cemeteries
If a location is behind a gated road, the permittee may have walking access but not vehicle access.
How Much Does a Jackson Hole Wedding Cost?
The Jackson Hole Elopement Budget Breakdown
So, you've decided to tie the knot in the stunning sagebrush and granite landscape of Grand Teton National Park. Awesome choice! Now, let's talk dollars and cents. As an FYI, Jackson is a tiny town packed full of fancy clientele, so be prepared to spend more than average. On the plus side, we have a ton of vendors compared to most tiny towns (Moab’s offerings are very slim).
Vendors:
Florist: $200 - $500 (that said, I’m a big fan of picking wildflowers for spring elopements)
Hair and Makeup Artist: $400 to $1000.
Photographer: $4,000 - $15,000
Cake: $50 to $150 (we do have a Whole Foods so you can spend a little less here!)
Officiant: $200 - $900, or you can have a friend/family member officiate
Videographer: $2,500 to $7,500
Adventure Wedding Essentials:
Lodging: $500 to $1,500K
Travel: $200 to $1000
Wedding Attire: The sky is the limit here.
Food/Caterer: $50 to $500
Permits: $60 to $300
Adventurous Activities: $250 to $2000
What Do You Need to Elope in Jackson Hole?
Apart from love, of course! You’ll also need your marriage license, officiant, witnesses, and permits. Other popular items include:
Wedding Attire
Flowers
Photographer
Officiant
Food/Catering
Fun Activities
A Celebration
How to Get to Grand Teton National Park
1. Jackson Hole Airport: A mere 5 minutes away from the park, Jackson Hole Airport is your closest gateway to the Teton Range's enchanting vistas. Prices can be a bit pricey, but the convenience and proximity to your wedding location are undeniable.
2. Idaho Falls Regional Airport: For a slightly more budget-friendly option, consider the Idaho Falls Regional Airport, situated a scenic 2.5-hour drive from the park. Much like Jackson Hole, Idaho Falls offers a smaller airport experience, but is usually a bit more affordable.
3. Salt Lake International Airport: Salt Lake International Airport is approximately 4.5 hours from Grand Teton National Park. Not only does Salt Lake boast the most affordable airfare options, but it also provides a wide selection of flights to accommodate your travel plans.
Planning a Grand Teton Elopement
Step 1: Choose Your Location and Date
Step 2: Apply for Permits
Step 3: Book Vendors + Lodging
Step 4: Choose Your Elopement Day Activities
Step 5: Design an Itinerary
Step 6: Get Hitched!
Step 1: Choose A Jackson Hole Elopement Location and Date
There are so many incredible wedding venues to choose from in Jackson Hole for large private weddings or small, casual elopements, so it really comes down to your vision.
1. What kind of jaw-dropping backdrop do you envision? Do you want the organized perfection of Jackson Lake Lodge, or spur-of-the-moment adventure inside Grand Teton National Park?
2. What kind of activities are important to your relationship, and do you want to incorporate them into the day?
3. Are you up for a bit of an adventure to reach your ceremony spot, or do you prefer something easily accessible?
4. Most locations are 30 min to 1 hour from town, so how far are you willing to drive (related: how early are you willing to wake up?)?
5. What’s the most important thing about your elopement day?
Your answers to these questions will help you narrow down the list of potential locations. Each spot in Jackson Hole has its own distinct charm, so take your time exploring your options before making the big decision.
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The Wedding Tree
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Jackson Lake Lodge
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Panorama House
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Antelope Trail Ranch
How To Pick A Date
Summer
Summer is undoubtedly the best time to elope in Grand Teton National Park. The weather is cool in the evenings and cooler in the mornings, but it sure beats the heat and humidity in the rest of the country. Time it right in June and early July for peak wildflowers.
Fall
Fall is my favorite time in the Tetons - the crowds thin, the aspens start to pop, and the foliage takes on a muted, yellowy hue that’s particularly suited to my style of editing. The temps can get cool and it’s a bit of a gamble with weather, but it can truly pay off.
Winter + Spring
Spring is incredibly rainy and usually still covered in snow, so I’d stay away during the rainy season (there’s a reason 22 plates invade Moab during this time). I live in a drafty old Airstream so I don’t spend winters in GTNP, but I could definitely be enticed into a snowy elopement session. Most locations are snowed in though because they close the inner park road, as an FYI. All of the site-specific ceremony locations in GTNP are closed until May as well, so winter elopements take more creativity.
Step 2: Apply for Permits for Your Jackson Hole Ceremony Location
Once you've identified your dream Tetons backdrop, it's time for the not-so-glamorous but oh-so-important part: permits. Yep, every corner of this stunning landscape comes with its own set of rules, and you don't want to be caught on your big day without the proper paperwork.
Here's the scoop: Jackson Hole’s public lands are owned by different agencies, and each has its own permit regulations. Grand Teton National Park has it’s own system, while The Wedding Tree and National Forest Service lands have their own requirements. So, research, research, research! No one wants unexpected park rangers crashing their elopement party!
Special use permits are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's essential to apply promptly to secure your desired elopement location. Grand Teton National Park has restrictions on the number of permits issued each year.
I have a whole step-by-step guide to getting navigating the confusing permit system for my clients. These sites book quickly, so contact me ASAP about booking if you’d like to get married at one of these venues!
Step 3: Start Booking Jackson Hole Wedding Vendors
Now that you've pinned down the perfect Jackson Hole wedding location, date, and permits, it's time to assemble your dream team of vendors. Yup, you might be eloping, but that doesn't mean you can't have some rad folks making your day extra special. Jackson is a tiny town so your choice of vendors is a little limited, but I provide contacts for local vendors in my client guide so you can find the everything you need.
1. Jackson Hole Wedding Photographer
2. Wedding Florist
3. Officiant
4. Hair & Makeup Artist
5. Videographer
6. Baker/Caterer
7. Jackson Wedding Planner/Stylist
8. Jackson Hole Wedding and Reception Venues
You don't need to stick to a strict order when hiring your vendors. You can start researching and hiring them whenever you're ready. But my golden advice would be to lock in your photographer first. Trust me on this one; it'll make your life a whole lot easier. Hiring a local, photographer instead of a travel photographer is a huge plus too, because they’ll have a lot more insight into the planning process.
A few venues & vendors I love:
Step 4: Plan Your Day
This is your day to celebrate your love in a way that speaks to you both. So, pick the activities that resonate with your personalities and relationship. Jackson is your canvas; let's paint your perfect elopement adventure!
1. Hiking
2. Hot Air Balloon
3. Horseback Riding
4. Catching the Sunset
5. Strolling Through Meadows
6. Overnight Backpacking Trip
7. Road Tripping to Accessible Locations
9. Climbing
10. Rafting/paddleboarding/packrafting the Snake River
11. Backyard Celebration with Family
12. Stargazing
13. Adventure with Your Dog/Pets
14. Boat across Jenny Lake or Jackson Lake
Step 5: Design your Elopement Itinerary
Your elopement itinerary is completely up to you, but I encourage you to loop your photographer into the process. Your wedding photographer should have you fill out a survey beforehand, getting into the details of what matters most for the day and your images, and they’ll know the time of day and locations to get you what you want.
As an obligatory plug, I have to recommend local photographers (for formerly local, in my case). They’ll understand the traffic patterns and how long it actually takes to get from one location to another (pro tip: always add extra time to Google Maps ETA).
Step 6: Have a Kick Ass Elopement :)
Hey hey, you made it to the bottom and you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable Grand Teton National Park adventure elopement!
You've conquered all the previous steps, and now it's time to craft your epic Teton elopement story. I'm here to be your guide and partner in creating a Jackson Hole wedding that's uniquely yours.
Let's chat, so I can be a part of your extraordinary wedding day. Get in touch with me below, and let's turn your dreams into reality!
